Robin van Persie of the Netherlands had what might qualify as the most acrobatic goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup so far. In the Group B match between Spain and the Netherlands on June 13, 2014, van Persie seemed to fly across the pitch to knock a scoring goal with his head. (Credit: Getty/Jeff Gross)

World Cup highlights: Most amazing goals and shocking moments

If a World Cup is measured by its moments, this year’s tournament in Brazil has not disappointed.

There have been feats of majestic athleticism that resulted in goals that seemed impossible, as well as clashes between players that turned quickly unpleasant. Those moments have been fodder for endless analysis, gossip and Internet memes.

While this cup is far from over, amNewYork has compiled what are some of the most talked about, analyzed and remembered moments so far. Look for periodic updates up to the July 13 final in Rio de Janeiro.

Robin van Persie's ridiculously amazing diving header goal

Robin van Persie of the Netherlands had what might qualify as the most acrobatic goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup so far. In the Group B match between Spain and the Netherlands on June 13, 2014, van Persie seemed to fly across the pitch to knock a scoring goal with his head. (Credit: Getty/Jeff Gross)

Robin van Persie of the Netherlands had what might qualify as the most acrobatic goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup so far. In the Group B match between Spain and the Netherlands on June 13, 2014, van Persie seemed to fly across the pitch to knock a scoring goal with his head. (Credit: Getty/Jeff Gross)

Pepe's infamous headbutt

Pepe's headbutting of Thomas Mueller during the Portugal and Germany match on June 16, 2014, was astonishing but this unsportsmanlike act would be eclipsed by Luis Suarez bite later in the group match. (Credit: Getty/AFP/Patrik Stollarz)

Pepe's headbutting of Thomas Mueller during the Portugal and Germany match on June 16, 2014, was astonishing but this unsportsmanlike act would be eclipsed by Luis Suarez bite later in the group match. (Credit: Getty/AFP/Patrik Stollarz)

Clint Dempsey's 29-second goal

Clint Dempsey of the United States scored within the first 29 seconds of his team's first goal during the Group G match against Ghana on June 16, 2014. It was the fifth-fastest goal scored by any team in the tournament's history. (Credit: Getty/Michael Steele)

Clint Dempsey of the United States scored within the first 29 seconds of his team's first goal during the Group G match against Ghana on June 16, 2014. It was the fifth-fastest goal scored by any team in the tournament's history. (Credit: Getty/Michael Steele)

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera reacting to his team's goals

Mexico's national football team coach Miguel Herrera became an Internet sensation with his exuberant celebrations each time his players would score. There was at least one moment when he found himself bear-hugging a player while rolling on the ground. (Credit: Getty/AFP/Alfredo Estrella)

Mexico's national football team coach Miguel Herrera became an Internet sensation with his exuberant celebrations each time his players would score. There was at least one moment when he found himself bear-hugging a player while rolling on the ground. (Credit: Getty/AFP/Alfredo Estrella)

Lionel Messi reminding the world of his magic

When Argentina's star Lionel Messi struck the ball to score a goal during a Group F football match between Argentina and Iran on June 21, 2014, it was the kind of magical play that the forward was expected to bring to the tournament. See it in action here.(Credit: Getty/AFP/Pedro Ugarte)

When Argentina's star Lionel Messi struck the ball to score a goal during a Group F football match between Argentina and Iran on June 21, 2014, it was the kind of magical play that the forward was expected to bring to the tournament. See it in action here.(Credit: Getty/AFP/Pedro Ugarte)

Luis Suarez's big bite

Coming into the tournament, Uruguay forward Luis Suarez's reputation rested on his abilities as a scorer — and as a biter. He had already been penalized twice in the past few years for biting opponents. Would he do it again? Apparently, yes. During the June 24, 2014, game against Italy, Suarez chomped down on defender Giorgio Chiellini's arm. It earned Suarez a 9-match ban, ending his World Cup run. (Credit: Getty)

Coming into the tournament, Uruguay forward Luis Suarez's reputation rested on his abilities as a scorer — and as a biter. He had already been penalized twice in the past few years for biting opponents. Would he do it again? Apparently, yes. During the June 24, 2014, game against Italy, Suarez chomped down on defender Giorgio Chiellini's arm. It earned Suarez a 9-match ban, ending his World Cup run. (Credit: Getty)

Miroslav Klose's flip

Miroslav Klose of Germany did his customary flip while celebrating his team's second goal in a match against Ghana on June 21, 2014. But Klose wasn't just celebrating any old goal — this was his 15th career World Cup goal, equaling the record set by Brazil star Ronaldo. (Credit: Getty)

Miroslav Klose of Germany did his customary flip while celebrating his team's second goal in a match against Ghana on June 21, 2014. But Klose wasn't just celebrating any old goal — this was his 15th career World Cup goal, equaling the record set by Brazil star Ronaldo. (Credit: Getty)